To those of you discouraged with this post, don't be. I love the UK in October. Nice and cool and less people. Just the way I like it. But then I am from northern Canada where our Octobers are so much colder than those in the UK so there it is a treat for me. :)

All I've worn at times is a turtleneck or very light rainjacket. Actually, so far I have never taken anything heavier than a light rain jacket and just wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath.

I lived in Glasgow for a year and of course had warmer clothing but still wore only light clothes in winter - people looked at me as though I were crazy but it was so nice and warm compared to home. It was more like our Spring. :)

Take your layers, but you may be pleasantly surprised.
We have had beautiful weather in Cornwall in October.
As somebody said, it is also much less crowded at that time of year.

Thanks to all who offered some hope for decent weather during our trip. I was getting resigned, if not downright discouraged.

nytraveler --I am from the US, and, since retiring, my DH & I have lived in an RV (caravan) and go either north or to high altitude in summer. We like things cool. Know what you mean about temperature comfort being according to where we live.

crckwc1 -- My hiking shoes are much like the NB ones and have seen days of wet trails, so I hope I can rely on them, though I'm still trying to decide on also taking the Bean shoes, which are better for protection.

My desire to cover all the bases conflicts with my desire to pack light. :-)

Thanks for the comments about wool scarves. They sound like a much better choice than a turtleneck, and I'll start looking for one in a good weight.

We didn't mean to put you off but our point is that you can't really tell at that time of year as it is autumn. Could be more like the end of summer, or more like the start of winter, who knows?

It won't be freezing. Damp rather than cold. You could have a complete mix through your holiday.

Don't forget your Barbour wax cotton jacket! Best stylish, durable, functional outerwear ever. Expensive and worth every penny. You will have it for the rest of your life.

See you in London in October!!!! I will be there on Saturday the 11th, can't wait.

nona1 -- All the help -- and warnings -- were good. I think we'll be prepared for anything. and, if not, we can always buy something, right? LOL Nothing like an excuse to shop!

I told my DH what the fodorites were saying about the weather, and he said, joking of course, "But how could there be so much rain? All the "come-visit-England" things I've seen always had bright blue skies!"

Whenever I visualize doing things in London, it is under clear skies, but we've learned through rainy trips to other places that we can enjoy it no matter what.

My situation is similar to sallyky's, so I have been following this thread with interest. Is it okay if I jump in? My college-age daughter will be doing a study-abroad trip in the UK from Aug. through Dec. She will experience a variety of weather. I wondered about getting her a trench coat with zip-out liner. Or would a fleece jacket and a waterproof shell with hood be better? She will need some type of outerwear that is a bit on the dressy side because she will be attending various events: shows, concerts, theater, services at cathedrals, etc. What do you all think?

"She will need some type...that is a bit on the dressy side because she will be attending... services at cathedrals, etc. What do you all think?"

That you've misunderstood both the British dress code and how theatres work.

None of the occasions you describe need outerwear on the dressy side. Even in the Royal Box at Covent Garden opera, no-one cares what kind of coat she was wearing before she came in. The only occasion you describe where you'd wear your outer clothes once inside is the service: no-one dresses up to go to any church, however grand, here - unless they're among the invited guests at a wedding, mourners at a funeral or invited to a a major State or civic event. A carol service at the cathedral in a university city isn't such an event.

In a British student environment, a lined trench coat is in danger of looking overdressed. I regularly attend services in the cathedral of a city famous for the poshness of its university: the only people who dress smartly are the choirboys.

For comfort, my daughter always takes her zip-out lining raincoat to London. It is just a regular-looking raincoat, not what I consider dressy. We usually go in the fall.